Margins Sqeeze, Markets Cool: What It Means for Fed Cattle
Date: Jun 03 2026
CAB InsiderCategory: CAB Insider
Rapid Decline in Select Carcasses
Date: May 20 2026
CAB InsiderThe steep upward price trajectory in the fed cattle market remains wholly supported on fed cattle remaining in tight supply and the tight grasp of cattle feeders keeping feedlot stays and carcass weights elevated. Weights continue to underpin beef production tonnage, cutting the harvest pace deficit for fed cattle.
Beef Month Anticipation: Cattle and Beef Values
Date: Apr 29 2026
CAB Insider
Heavy Cattle Challenges
Date: Apr 15 2026
CAB Insider
Choice-Select Spread Inverted
Date: Apr 01 2026
CAB Insider
Quality Soaring Higher
Date: Mar 19 2026
CAB InsiderIncreased Prime carcass production is a boon to sales growth in this category for both Certified Angus Beef and the industry as a whole. A smaller Prime cutout premium above Choice also means greater adoption of this premium product tier by grocers and restaurants. All of the above lead to a firmer foothold for beef as the protein of choice for consumers.
Utilization Key to Prime Success
Date: Feb 11 2026
CAB InsiderMore demand for individual Prime grade cuts is being discovered on the part of packers and wholesalers as they educate downstream users about the opportunities to capitalize on growing Prime demand.
Seasonal Demand Shifts Carcass Values
Date: Jan 28 2026
CAB InsiderJanuary often presents the lowest beef demand, while February likely vies second. Also, we see a shift in consumer preference away from holiday middle meat roasts toward end cuts for “comfort food” meals.
Price Speaks Volumes
Date: Jan 14 2026
CAB InsiderWhile the tightest fed cattle supplies in the cycle are projected this year, consumer demand has issued directional support that tight supplies do not necessitate narrowing of price differentiation for quality.
Big Shifts in Quality Grades
Date: Dec 10 2025
CAB InsiderThe 2025 quality grade trend tracked the USDA Prime grade a full percentage point higher than the prior year through August, averaging 11.5%. Since then, the Prime grade trend has defied seasonal expectations, normally setting a course toward a fall low in both Choice and Prime grade percentages.